JBM Solaris, which is a joint venture between JBM Auto and Solaris Bus & Coach SA is going to invest Rs 300 crore to manufacture India’s first 100 percent electric buses named Ecolife. The revolutionary bus was also unveiled at the 13th Auto Expo Show in February 2016, by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minsiter of Road Transport & Highways.

The amount would be invested in the development of design, development, manufacturing and supply chain development among other focus areas in this electric mobility project of the company. Production of Ecolife will start by Q4 of FY 16-17 at Kosi, Uttar Pradesh. Incorporating variants of 9 and 12 meters, JBM Solaris will further work towards indigenously bringing in the complete range of buses in further phases.

Nishant Arya, executive director, JBM Group, said:

Our association with Solaris Bus comes in as a just in time move towards developing green solutions that will transform the public transportation domain in India. This JV between JBM Auto and Solaris Bus perfectly aligns with the government’s vision to make India a 100-percent electric vehicle nation by 2030. JBM Solaris is committed to contribute substantially towards this vision in the area of public mobility vehicles.

Dr Andreas Strecker, CEO, Solaris Bus & Coach, said:

We have supplied mass transportation solutions to more than 30 countries all over the world and we are extremely excited to partner with JBM Group. This joint venture is a very important step for Solaris Bus and will ensure introduction of our proven technology in electric vehicles. JBM and Solaris together are set to revolutionise public transportation in India with Ecolife using globally proven and affordable technology.

Ecolife is a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) as it is powered by lithium batteries, which are fast charging and runs upto 200 kms daily for city bus operation. This vehicle can also run on plug-in charging. The electric bus technology is adaptable to the city bus operation depending on demographic and geographic conditions.

After its production, Ecolife is going to be the second mass public transport product from JBM Group. During the Auto Expo organized in 2014, the company has introduced their first such vehicle named Citylife, which is an ultra low-floor CNG bus for intercity travel.